House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is facing an ethics complaint after calling for federal judges to remove U.S. Attorney Alina Habba, who indicted Rep. LaMonica McIver for obstructing Homeland Security agents during a clash at a Newark immigration facility. The complaint, filed by the Article III Project, alleges that Jeffries improperly influenced the judicial process by pressuring judges to remove Habba, who was appointed by Attorney General Pam Bondi in March. The case highlights ongoing tensions over judicial independence and political interference in criminal proceedings.
The dispute centers on Habba’s decision to charge McIver with obstructing agents during a clash at the Delaney Hall immigration facility on May 9. McIver, a Democratic representative from New Jersey, has pleaded not guilty and is set for trial on November 10. Jeffries criticized Habba’s actions in a post on X, calling her an ‘unqualified political hack’ and urging judges to remove her. The complaint argues that Jeffries’ intervention represents ‘clear corruption’ by a House Democrat leader.
Habba, a former Trump campaign legal spokesperson, was appointed as acting U.S. attorney in March but still awaits Senate confirmation. Her potential retention depends on New Jersey district judges, who are largely appointed by Democratic presidents. The case has drawn attention from both political sides, with the Campaign for Accountability accusing Habba of politically targeting McIver and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka for their views opposing Trump.
The incident unfolded during a congressional oversight visit to the Newark immigration facility, where McIver and two other members of Congress were conducting a review. According to a DOJ press release, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was allowed into the secured area of the facility and then warned by federal agents to leave. However, he refused, prompting an arrest attempt. McIver allegedly blocked the officers, using her arms to interfere with the agents, resulting in charges of obstructing federal agents.
Habba’s indictment of McIver has sparked controversy, with some viewing it as a politically motivated investigation. The Campaign for Accountability, a liberal watchdog group, claims Habba targeted McIver and Baraka due to their opposition to Trump’s policies. Meanwhile, the Article III Project has filed an ethics complaint against Jeffries, stating that his actions represent an abuse of power. The complaint urges the House Ethics Committee to hold Jeffries accountable for his alleged interference in the judicial process.
The political implications of the case are significant, as it reflects broader debates over judicial independence and the separation of powers. With 15 of the 17 New Jersey federal judges nominated by Democratic presidents, Habba’s fate may be more influenced by partisan considerations than objective legal standards. The trial of McIver, set for November 10, will further determine whether the charges are justified or if the legal action was politically motivated, underscoring the complex interplay between law enforcement, public officials, and political power.